Breastfeeding as a protective factor of childhood obesity: A systematic review of the literature
Abstract
Introduction: The high prevalence of childhood obesity in Portugal is considered one of the great epidemics of the 21st century. Empirically, breastfeeding is considered a protective factor of childhood obesity, but further studies are needed to demonstrate this relationship. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was done to assess the evidence on the relationship between breastfeeding and childhood obesity, as well as the mechanisms potentially involved. Scientific articles published in indexed journals from different countries, between 01.01.2014 and 31.12.2016, were analyzed and its access came from international recognized databases. Results: Most of the studies revealed that breastfeeding has a protective relationship with childhood obesity; but sporadic studies found no association between the two variables. Leptin and cortisol were suggested as intervenients in the mechanisms potentially involved in this relationship. Discussion and conclusion: Breastfeeding has shown a protective role on childhood obesity, especially for a duration of more than 6 months and exclusively. This effect may extend over the long term. The question about the mechanisms involved in this association deserves further investigation.
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